For which type of acne is IPL beneficial?

Acne does not look the same on everyone. Sometimes there are mainly blackheads and small subcutaneous ones blockages. With different skin, they constantly occur red, painful, or inflamed pimples again.

Various processes are at play beneath the surface. at the same time. The opening of a hair follicle can become clogged, sebum plays a role, Cutibacterium acnes is involved and there an inflammatory reaction can occur.

For IPL for acne is especially inflammatory acne interesting: acne where red papules, pustules and active inflammation be clearly present.

Why can light help with acne?

An interesting part of the answer has to make with Cutibacterium acnes. This bacterium occurs naturally on the skin. and plays a role in acne. The bacterium produces substances that porphyrins be mentioned.

Porphyrins can detect certain wavelengths of light absorb. In doing so, reactive Oxygen compounds are formed. This is one of the mechanisms being investigated to the effect of light therapy on inflammatory to explain acne.

Light therapy is therefore not simply intended to dry out a visible pimple. The goal is to exert influence on processes that play a role in active acne.

Is IPL the same as an LED mask for acne?

Anyone searching online for light therapy for acne, soon encounters blue and red LED masks. Specific is also used in this regard. wavelengths of light.

Blue light is particularly interesting because the porphyrins that by C. acnes are produced. Red light is under others investigated due to possible effects on inflammatory processes.

However, a LED mask for home use is not the same as a professional IPL treatment. LED works with relatively narrow light bands. With IPL, a broad light spectrum is produced, after which filters determine which parts of the spectrum reach the skin.

In addition, the way in which the light is emitted, the energy and the treatment institutions. The results research into LED is therefore not automatically applicable to IPL, and the other way around.

What makes the Lumenis M22 Acne Filter different?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Two devices can both be called IPL and yet technically differ quite a bit from each other. The filters, selected wavelengths and light pulses help determine which treatment is possible

The Lumenis M22 is a modular Medical light and laser platform. For acne does the system have a specific Dual-band Acne Filter. This selects two parts of the light spectrum: 400–600 nm and 800–1200 nm.

The shorter light region comprises wavelengths which can be absorbed by porphyrins. The longer light area penetrates deeper through the skin. In research into IPL for acne are in addition to changes in the number inflammation also changes in inflammatory activity and sebaceous glands described

The M22 also works with Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT), with which the energy within the light pulse can be issued under control. During the treatment, the light guide is refrigerated

For me as a skin therapist, those technical are options relevant. I can the settings tailor to skin type and acne condition and the skin reaction, instead of every to treat skin with the same settings.

What can you expect from IPL for acne?

The goal of my IPL acne treatment is reducing active inflammatory acne: fewer red and inflamed pimples and skin that is gradually calmer can be.

The amount of improvement possible varies per person.The acne picture, the skin type, any medication, home care and the response to previous treatments play a role in this.

Moreover, IPL is usually not a treatment. who achieves the desired result after just one session yields. In clinical research, usually multiple treatments are performed.

What does scientific research show?

Towards the combination of 400–600 nm and 800–1200 nm specific clinical research has been conducted. In a prospective study by Knight work was done with the Lumenis M22 and the Dual-band Acne Filter.

Ten participants with mild to moderate Inflammatory acne received five treatments. Four weeks after the last treatment had 50% of the participants at least 50% fewer acne lesions. The participants themselves also reported improvement

Those are interesting results, but It was a small study without major comparison group. From that, you can not to deduce that every client will achieve the same result.

Also other studies on dual-band IPL describe reduction of acne lesions. In addition, it was investigated whether IPL has an influence has on inflammatory activity and sebaceous glands.

At the same time, broader research shows regarding IPL for acne seeing that the results differences. Studies use diverse devices, filters, settings and treatment protocols. As a result, there is still not clear for every form of acne how much IPL adds compared to other treatments.

That is precisely why I look further in my research. than just the conclusion that IPL works. I want to know which system was used, Which wavelengths have been investigated and with which form of acne.

Is IPL sufficient to treat acne?

Not always. With skin with a lot blackheads and constipation can Cleaning out is important. A medical peel can a play a supplementary role and also suitable skincare at home remains important.

I can use IPL especially when active inflammations in the foreground stand and the skin is suitable for this treatment.

That does not mean that all parts must be treated simultaneously. Sometimes it is wiser to first the to restore the skin barrier or the active acne with another to address treatment.

And what if the pimples disappear, but spots remain?

Sometimes the active acne is by now largely disappeared, but remain red or brown spots are visible. Those are not automatically scars.

We call these red spots post-inflammatory erythema (PIE). Brown or dark spots are often post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). When there are pits or dents have arisen, there may be a case of real acne scars.

These residual symptoms require for treatment goals other than active inflammatory acne. For redness and pigmentation, can I other IPL filters or employing laser techniques. In case of changes to the skin structure can, for example, microneedling, TCA or ResurFX play a role.

Read more about red and brown spots after acne →

Read more about the different types acne scars →

Can IPL be an alternative to Roaccutane?

Isotretinoin, often still called Roaccutane, is a systemic medicine with a important place with, among others severe acne, acne that is insufficient responds to other treatments and acne where scarring is at risk.

IPL is therefore not directly similar. It is a local light treatment that is primarily investigated in mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

In case of severe or rapidly worsening acne and when scarring threatens, is assessment by the general practitioner or dermatologist important. IPL may a necessary medical treatment do not delay.

For suitable skin with milder inflammatory acne can IPL be a supplementary be a treatment option.

Read more: treating acne without Roaccutane →

Frequently asked questions about IPL for acne

Does IPL work for acne?

In clinical research, after treatment with certain IPL systems fewer acne lesions seen. Especially with mild to moderate inflammatory acne are results described. The probative value is still limited and the results differ per device and treatment protocol.

What is the M22 Acne Filter?

The Acne Filter of the Lumenis M22 is a dual-band IPL filter which selects two light areas: 400–600 nm and 800–1200 nm. The filter has been developed for the treatment of acne.

Is IPL suitable for every skin?

No. I assess beforehand under other the skin type, the pigment reaction, any medication, recent exposure to the sun and the condition of the skin. Not every form of acne or every skin type is suitable for IPL.

How many treatments are needed?

That depends on the severity of the acne and the skin's reaction. In various studies multiple sessions have been conducted. During an introduction I will discuss which treatment plan can be suitable for your skin.

Can IPL be combined with a peel?

IPL and peels are both possible to be part of a acne treatment plan, but do not need not during the same appointment to be carried out. I determine the order and the interval based on the skin condition and the reaction to previous treatments.